dreamlike4paws

A Nose-Driven Sport That Builds Confidence, Focus, and Teamwork

Mantrailing is a powerful, dog-led scent sport where dogs learn to locate a specific person using that person’s unique scent. It taps into what dogs do best - using their nose - while encouraging independence, problem-solving, and a strong working relationship between dog and handler.

 

At dreamlike4paws, Mantrailing is offered as a collaborative program taught together with Diane Ross of Proactive Canine Solutions, combining experience, clarity, and a shared passion for scent-based work.

​

What Is Mantrailing?

Mantrailing is when a dog searches for and follows the scent of a specific human being. Unlike traditional tracking, Mantrailing allows the dog to use the entire scent picture, including:

 

• Ground scent

• Air scent

• Scent pooling and environmental spread

​

There is no “right” or “wrong” way for the dog to work a trail. The dog determines how the scent is followed, and the handler learns to observe, support, and trust the dog’s decisions.

 

Mantrailing is dog-led, flexible, and adaptable to many environments and skill levels.

​

How Is Mantrailing Different from Tracking or Nose Work®?

• Mantrailing focuses on finding one specific person using their unique scent

• Tracking often emphasizes footstep precision and pre-laid tracks

• Nose Work® focuses on odor recognition and complex searches with set boundaries rather than following a moving scent trail.

​​

Mantrailing blends problem-solving, independence, and teamwork in a way many dogs find deeply reinforcing and motivating. And who doesn't like finding a happy person at the end?! ;)

​​

Why Do Mantrailing?

Mantrailing offers benefits far beyond “just” finding someone:

​

• Builds trust and communication between dog and handler

• Encourages confident, independent decision-making

• Increases motivation and engagement

• Supports emotional regulation through purposeful work

• Provides meaningful mental and physical enrichment

• Is incredibly rewarding for dogs -most dogs love finding people

 

Because the dog leads the process, Mantrailing can be especially empowering for dogs that benefit from confidence-building activities.

​

How Mantrailing Is Taught

Mantrailing sessions are designed to meet each team where they are. Dogs are introduced to the concept through clear, achievable setups and progress at their own pace.

 

Training typically includes:

 

• Harness and long-line work

• Short, successful trails that build understanding

• Gradual progression in complexity

• Emphasis on reading the dog’s body language

• A supportive, low-pressure learning environment

 

Both new and experienced teams are welcome, with trails adjusted to the individual dog’s skill level and experience.

​

Who Is This For?

Mantrailing is suitable for:

• Dogs of many breeds and backgrounds

• Dogs new to scent work as well as experienced Nose Work® teams

• Handlers looking for enrichment, sport foundations, or something new

• Teams interested in dog-led activities that build partnership

​

No prior Mantrailing experience is required.

​

Attendance at this workshop counts as 1/2 of the requirement toward certification to participate in the new Sleuth Dogs Mantrailing trials, which will be launched by Bloodhound Mantrackers beginning in January 2026.

​

Your Instructors

​

Diane Ross – Proactive Canine Solutions

Diane is the owner of Proactive Canine Solutions and brings extensive experience in scent-based training. She is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) and is actively involved with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) as a Certifying Official and Judge.

 

Her background in Nose Work® has shaped a teaching approach that values clear communication, dog-led problem-solving, and confidence-building through scent. Diane’s understanding of how dogs interpret and follow scent translates naturally into Mantrailing, where dogs are encouraged to work the full scent picture in a way that makes sense to them as individuals.

 

Website: https://proactivecanine.com/

Contact: proactivecaninesolutions@gmail.com

​

Sandra Winfrey – dreamlike4paws

I am the owner of dreamlike4paws and work with dogs using reward-based, science-informed methods, with a strong focus on the relationship between dogs and their humans. I am a Prospective Nose Work Instructor (PNWI) with the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).

 

In addition to dog training/ behavior modifications and scent sports, I train hunting retrievers, where clarity, independence, and working as a team are essential. This background strongly influences how I teach Mantrailing - supporting dogs in using their natural abilities while helping handlers learn how to read, trust, and work with their dog.

 

Together with Diane, I co-teach Mantrailing sessions that balance clear instruction for handlers with dog-led problem-solving, creating a supportive learning environment for teams at all levels.

​​

Want to join the waitlist for the next class/ workshop?

Please let me know here!